Changing one’s relationship to digital devices can help bring clarity, increase happiness, and reduce feelings of stress in one’s daily life. In this series we highlight individuals and digital resources from Menla’s extended community that can help anyone mindfully navigate our interconnected, digital world. This week we look at the value of creating a meditation hallway with Janice Marturano.
What is a Meditation Hallway?
You might know what a meditation hall is—but what is a meditation hallway, and why should you have one? Well, it is exactly what it sounds like, a hallway—one that is very near your desk at work and that you pass through periodically throughout the day.
Here’s how it works: Each time you step into that particular hallway, you use it as a trigger to practice a form of walking meditation for as long as it takes you to walk through that space. (Now, to be clear, I am not suggesting that you walk in that “slow motion” way you might have learned while on a meditation retreat. In most work environments such “zombie walking” would be frowned upon—or worse. But you can slow it down just a bit.)
Walking Mindfulness Practice, Anywhere
As you walk, begin to notice sensations in your body, the colors, the smells, the sounds in the hallway, and so on. If you find your mind pulled to your next meeting, or to the one you just left, redirect the attention back to your walking practice. Remember, the hallway is a “cell free” zone—no emails, calls or texts.
Moments of mindfulness practice throughout the day such as these begin to break our autopilot conditioning, and they strengthen our mind’s capacity to aim and sustain attention.
When we are present, we are using all of the mind’s abilities to see clearly and to make compassionate and wise choices.
So, right now, why not choose a meditation hallway and form an intention to practice each time you enter it. What do you notice? How do you arrive at your next meeting?
To learn more about the work of Janice Marturano, please visit: www.instituteformindfulleadership.org.
“Going to Menla is like dropping out of time. The physical beauty and stillness of the place is unique. The accommodations are just right – comfortable but not ostentatious. The food is amazing and clearly made with attention and love. Thank you!”
Sylvia E.
“The food was divine! I’m not a vegetarian and will say the meat was not missed while here. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay…. The staff was warm and courteous. Space very conducive for retreat. Great common spaces for community and plenty of space for solitude. Will return again.”
George Charlton
I just returned from an over-night stay at the Menia Retreat Center. During that time, I was very fortunate to have had four services at the beautiful Dewa Spa.All of them were amazing, but I really have to take a few minutes to write about Sarite Sanders who did Craniosacral Therapy and Nicole Bernhardt who provided Extended KuNye Massage.
Both of these women are gifted practitioners who clearly are dedicated to their healing modalities. Sarite is not just a healer but a teacher–a very powerful combination for a true wellness practitioner. She even suggested movement exercises that I could do at home to help with an old injury–one I had not told her about, but that she “felt” as she worked on my body. Both of these women took time to explain what and why they were doing certain things and thus were able to create a very safe environment for healing. Thank you for a truly lovely experience.
Virginia Giordano
MENLA
